I study Tourism Services here at CFT UCEVALPO. I come from Valdivia and it has been interesting to live here. Valparaiso represents a part of the Chilean history, the history is very much present everywhere in this city. It is a University City and a big city compared to Valdivia.

To me the people of Valparaiso are warm people, very friendly, and quite workaholic, I have learned a lot from them. In this process I have become more independent.

Valparaiso has something, I don't know, the architecture that has the british and german legacy perhaps. There is a lot of youth in this city, I have felt welcomed.

I decided to study in UVM because I wanted to learn spanish in a non english speaking country. I liked that the University Campus was small an intimate for students and faculty, and the fact that is was downtown made it even greater. Chile was an esay choice since people are so friendly and there is a warm culture.

¿How would you describe you University Experience in UVM-Chile?

The University structure was a bit different, spanish lessson where in small groups and very intensive. It was the best way to learn spanish. The international campus is beatiful and you can get to it from anywhere by bus. Classes where interesting and the faculty kind of cool.

¿How was life outside the classroom?

I enjoyed the cultural activities organized by the University, and the places where perfect to get to know cool stuff about Chile. The Family I lived with was always there for me and the food!!, amazing!. The spare time I had I used it to do different things and to hang out with chileans and exchange students.

"I like Viña del Mar because you can walk the city. In the United States I live in the country side and you have to go by car if you want to get anywhere, the distances are to big. I usually have to travel 5 hours to get to the beach".

¿How are the chileans?

"Chileans talk very fast and use a lot of slang, but they are very kind and extroverts. The food is different. I liked the empanadas and sopaipillas. I ate shrimp empanadas, in the States that would be very expensive, but not here.

¿What are your expectations about your exchange program?

I would like to learn spanish and go back to USA to work in a latino related environment. There is a hughe latino population, and spanish is starting to be important.

I was told this University had a very good academic level and that it is among the best in Chile, regarding educational rankings. I searched the best option and that was UAI.

Berthier Romain, Inglaterra. UAI.

I am happy to know I am in an excellent University and that the marketing classes, that are my main concern, are important at the Business Management curriculum.

Julia, Francia. PUCV.

The PUCV is a paradise for exchange students! I am french, and I am an exchange student here at PUCV for a year, I come from the Rennes Policy Studies Institute. I have been 8 month already here, and I don't want to go!. I love Valparaiso, this city has a soul, the people and my life in general. I integrated very fast and without any trouble although I didn't speak any spanish.